Frequently Asked Questions

Can I afford a Roanoke College Education?

We understand that financing a college education is one of the most significant life investments families can make. Roanoke College is committed to offering high-quality education at a reasonable cost. We will do everything possible to ensure that you and your family can afford Roanoke College. Every year, more than 85 percent of our student-body benefit from some type of assistance thanks to Roanoke College, the Federal Government, the Commonwealth of Virginia and private outside sources. During the 2008/2009 academic year, Roanoke students have been collectively awarded over $37.3 million in financial aid from these four sources.

What type of aid does Roanoke offer to help me finance my education?

Roanoke College not only awards institutional grants and scholarship to our students but, we also participate with a variety of outside agencies to offer a wide array of assistance to our students. Currently Roanoke students are receiving funds from the following sources: federal and state agencies, foundations, corporations, private organizations, and the College.

What type of aid does Roanoke offer for Intensive Learning and/or Summer School?

Students may choose from a variety of alternative loan programs both the IL term and Summer School. Alternative Loans generally require a co-signer and credit approval. No other type of financial aid is available for these terms. Applications can be obtained directly from the Financial Aid Office. Students applying for IL must return applications to our office by March 1st in order to allow adequate processing time. Summer school applications must be received by April 1st.

How will moving off campus affect my financial aid package?

If you are thinking about changing your residency status as an upperclassman, it is important that you check with the Financial Aid Office to make sure your award package will not change. For most, this will not be a problem. Your financial aid will not change. Your grants/scholarships will not be taken away and your loans will remain in place. The biggest difference that you will notice, however, is the amount you owe the college. Instead of having to pay the Business Office for tuition, room & board, and fees (activities, technology and telecommunication) you will only have to pay Roanoke College tuition and the appropriate fees (activities and technology).

I plan to study abroad. How can I find out about financial aid?

Prior to being able to determine what type of financial aid you will be eligible for, the Financial Aid Office will need to know what program you intend to participate in. If you have that information, contact the Financial Aid Office and we will be glad to discuss your options.

What is a typical Roanoke College Student Financial award?

The average award is around $20,200. This includes grants, loans and work.

I need more free money. Is there a particular site I should access online to help in my search for outside scholarships?

There are numerous scholarship search engines online that can help in your search for outside funding. In particular students should check out www.finaid.org and www.fastweb.com. Roanoke College also has a Scholarship Bulletin Board that is maintained by the Financial Aid Office for Roanoke College students. Any scholarships that we are directly made aware of are posted here for RC students to view.

I got an outside scholarship. Should I report it to the financial aid office?

Yes. If you are receiving any kind of financial aid from any source, you must report the scholarship to the Financial Aid Office.

Will the outside scholarship affect my package?

In most cases it will not. In those cases where we are required to reduce part of our previous award, Roanoke first reduces student loans and/or work. Only where absolutely necessary will we reduce a scholarship or grant. Any time an award or change to an award is made, we will provide a revised financial aid award letter that will include a breakdown of the award and, if available, a comparison of charges to aid (i.e., you will know bottom line figures).